Amnesty director Irungu Houghton/XAmnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton has resigned from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests. In his decision, the human rights defender cited constitutional concerns and respect for a recent High Court ruling that faulted the panel’s legal foundation. In a resignation letter dated January 9, 2026, Houghton said his decision takes immediate effect and follows the Kerugoya High Court judgment delivered on December 4, 2025, which declared the panel unconstitutional. In the letter, Houghton also distanced himself from a December 15 application filed by the panel seeking a stay of the High Court ruling. Houghton clarified that his resignation should not be interpreted as acceptance of the High Court judgment by the panel, but rather as a principled act grounded in constitutional fidelity.

Source: The Star January 09, 2026 14:43 UTC